Job Details

Salary: $17.85 - $21.70 Hourly
Location : Novato, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 2026-08
Department: Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Come Join Our Team!
THE CITY OF NOVATO IS RECRUITING
FOR

LIFEGUARD
This classification falls under part time, non-benefitted employment
Application Deadline: Recruitment is open and continuous until positions are filled
The Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department (PRCS) is comprised of three divisions: Administration, Community Services, and Recreation Programs. The Administration Division manages and coordinates all PRCS programs, activities, facilities, and community outreach efforts along with establishing department policy and direction; working with the Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Commission and City Council to accomplish citywide goals; and preparing and monitoring the PRCS general operating and capital improvement program budgets. The Community Services Division plans and implements recreational, cultural, and educational programs, activities, classes, services, and citywide special events for all residents - preschool aged toddlers through centenarians.
The Recreation Division supervises instructional, recreational, and competitive sports programs for children, teens, and adults. To learn more about the PRCS Department, visit our website

Example of Duties
DEFINITION

Instructs swimming classes; monitors students' safety; does related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision from Head Lifeguard, Recreation Coordinator, and/or Recreation Supervisor.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Teaches swimming classes using appropriate lesson plans for beginner to advanced students; demonstrates and monitors that swimming skills and techniques are being performed properly and safely.
2. Monitors the safety of students and other patrons using the swim center facilities.
3. Responds to questions and inquiries from parents regarding child's progress and/or Aquatics programs and activities.
4. Maintains appropriate records regarding class participation and students' progress.
5. Administers First Aid in case of emergency.
6. Attends and participates in in-service trainings.
7. Performs other job-related duties or tasks as required.

Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience/Age

1. Must be 15 years old at the time of hire.
2. Demonstrate interest and ability in activity to be performed; prior experience working with children is highly desirable.

Certificate

1. Possession of, or must be obtained within 60 days of date of hire, a valid American Red Cross/Lifeguard Training certificate or YMCA Lifeguarding Certificate or United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Lifeguard Training Certificate or equivalent and Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA)First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) card, American Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer and Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
2. American Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer must be obtained within 60 days of date of hire.
3. Swim Instructors working with youth must be certified free from communicable tuberculosis according to California State Law and provide the City of Novato proof of recertification on a four-year cycle.
4. Must submit set of fingerprints to California Department of Justice in order to work with children under 18 years old.

Knowledge of

1. Considerable knowledge of water safety, swim instruction, lifesaving methods, first aid, and emergency procedures.
2. Proper methods of teaching others to swim.
3. Philosophy, objectives, and requirements to provide safe recreational and work environments.
4. Methods for keeping water and surrounding areas safe for public use.
5. Applicable safety precautions and procedures related to the program area(s) and facilities to which assigned.
6. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
7. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
8. Safe work practices.

Skill to

1. Swimming skills and techniques; teaching and demonstrating swimming skills.

Ability to

1. Communicate directions/instructions both verbally and by demonstration.
2. Work effectively with people of all ages.
3. Create a positive learning environment.
4. Act calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
5. Interpret and implement swimming pool policies.
6. Monitor the safety of students and other patrons using the swim center facility.

Additional Information
WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees work a flexible schedule, depending on program needs, including potentially working evenings, weekends, and shifting assignments as program needs change. Employees work outdoors and are exposed to variable weather conditions. May be exposed to chlorine, acids, and other chemicals at aquatics facilities, as well as blood and body fluids when rendering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Employees may interact with people who are upset while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Must possess the ability to perform work that may involve lifting children through adults, in and out of the pool, up to 100 pounds or more with assistance, pulling a cover over the pool surface with assistance, and lifting, straightening, and moving pool deck furniture and equipment. Need the mobility to sit, walk, twist, grasp, turn, lift, kneel, stoop, reach, bend, climb, and swim, while in swimwear. Must be in good physical condition to stay in water for prolonged periods of time, work in the extreme heat and/or cold, and the outdoors. Vision may be corrected, and hearing, within a normal range as measured by a standard audiogram are required. Employee should be able to see and hear adults and children in life and/or health safety endangering situations.
Part Time Hourly employees are not eligible for benefits or to earn any vacation time.
Per AB 1522, hourly employees accrue paid sick leave at the rate of at least one (1) hour per every 30 hours worked - beginning on the first date of employment.

Part Time Hourly employees are covered under the City's workers compensation insurance.
01

I understand that this position requires that I successfully complete and pass a pre-employment physical, fingerprinting (LiveScan), and drug screen.

• Yes
• No

02

I certify that all information provided on my application and supplemental questionnaire is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge; and I understand that all information is subject to verification; and that false or incomplete information will result in disqualification from the selection process or dismissal, if hired.

• Yes
• No

Required Question